Coconut Lime Shrimp Kha Soup
Craving something exotic and comforting but too tired to cook a complex Thai feast?
When the day feels long and you just want a warm, fragrant bowl of something special, this Coconut Lime Shrimp soup is your perfect shortcut. It captures all those deep, aromatic notes of a traditional Tom Kha Gai—the creamy coconut, the punchy lime, and the earthy galangal—without requiring an hour over a hot stove. The shrimp cook in mere minutes, making it a low-effort win for a busy weeknight. You'll love how the steam carries the scent of lemongrass through your kitchen, creating a spa-like atmosphere while you prep. It’s decadent enough to feel like a treat, yet simple enough to make when you have zero energy left. Just grab a spoon and dive into that silky, citrusy broth.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp — peeled and deveined
- 2 unit coconut milk — 13.5 oz cans each
- 4 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp fresh ginger — grated or minced
- 3 unit garlic — minced
- 1 tbsp lemongrass — finely chopped stalk
- 2 tbsp lime juice — fresh is best
- 1 tsp red chili flakes — adjust for heat
- 1 tsp salt — to taste
- 1 pinch coriander — ground
Method
- 1 In a large pot, combine the coconut milk, vegetable broth, ginger, garlic, lemongrass, chili flakes, salt, and coriander.
- 2 Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- 3 Add the shrimp to the pot and cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque.
- 4 Stir in the lime juice and let it simmer for one final minute.
- 5 Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
Variations
- Veggie Style — Swap the shrimp for cubed firm tofu or sliced mushrooms.
- Extra Zesty — Add a teaspoon of grated ginger and an extra squeeze of lime for more kick.
Notes
If you can't find fresh lemongrass, a teaspoon of dried lemongrass and extra ginger works beautifully as a substitute.
Equipment that helps
- Large Pot — Allows you to simmer the broth and cook the shrimp in one vessel.
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